The Mother of all BIOS Guides

Joey Braff writes "Many of you have probably heard of the famous BOG - BIOS Optimization Guide. For those who have not, make sure you take a look at this mega-guide with more than 300 BIOS settings and they just added 10 more! If you doubt its authenticity, note that its author is a doctor and the guide is also available as a book."

Comments

Doctor?

[Blakey Rat]

Oh, of course. How silly of me to doubt a doctor would be the perfect person to outline all of our BIOS settings. For a minute there I was thinking a engineer would be a better choice.

Re:Doctor?

[Anonymous Coward]

A doctor has studied biology (from the greek word "Bios" = life ) so he should know something about life settings.

Re:Doctor?

[geekSession]

I haven't read TFA, but mightn't he be a doctor of engineering or some such subject. Doctors aren't necessarily medical you know.

Can you see anything useful without an account?

[NotQuiteReal]

I didn't try very hard and was turned off by all the registration screens.

Re:Can you see anything useful without an account?

[EmoryBrighton]

I use Proxomitron to filter pages, it's no longer supported but it still works, here are some filters that you can use to make this page readable:

URL Match for all: *.rojakpot.com*

Filter1:
Match: [script language*(window.top \=\= window.self)*/script]
Replace: null

Filter2:
Match: [!-- start BURST!*-->**Help Support ARP*
Replace:

Filter5:
match:
replace:

Proxomitron is different (better?) than greasemonkey since the browser receives the clean html, while greasemonkey waits for the html to load and then modify it.

Re:Can you see anything useful without an account?

[EmoryBrighton]

(Sorry, forgot [ecode] tag for above)

I use Proxomitron to filter pages, it's no longer supported but it still works, here are some filters that you can use to make this page readable:

URL Match for all: *.rojakpot.com*

Filter1:
Match: <script language*(window.top \=\= window.self)*/script>
Replace: null

Filter2:
Match: <!-- start BURST!*-->*<!-- end BURST!*-->
Replace: null

Filter3:
Match: <!-- Left Side bar-->*<!--Center Section-->
Replace: null

Filter4:
Match: <p class="title">Help Support ARP*</body>
Replace: </body>

Filter5:
match: <!---<iframe align\=\"center\" name\='468AdFrame*</body>
replace: </body>

Loading time w/out filter: (Direct connection): 1.210 Seconds
Loading time w/ filter (Proxomitron, filter): 0.312 Seconds
(Measured by fasterfox)

Proxomitron is different (better?) than greasemonkey since the browser receives the clean html, while greasemonkey waits for the html to load and then modifies it.

Re:Can you see anything useful without an account?

[OverlordQ]

Privoxy?

try putting up articles on time

[Anonymous Coward]

what gives?

Re:try putting up articles on time

[CUclimber]

This reeks of self-promotion here. Since when does Slashdot try to pass advertisements off as stories?

Re:try putting up articles on time

[woolio]

This has been happening ever since I first started reading Slasdot 2-3 years ago...

I believe the editors let an inflammatory article "slip" by one or twice a week go increase ad revenue:

This "article" went up on SUNDAY night... Which means most ./'ers will be spending their WORKday tomorrow (and the rest of the week) posting rebuttals, reading others rants, etc... Since this is a fairly specialized topic (BIOS config), unless the editors allow the summary to be inflammatory, most people won't bother to click the "Read More..." link...

This will probably be one of those articles that hits +500 messages real quick... Each message means multiple pages were loaded (login/preview, compose message, post response)... and thats only for those who bother to comment! Many many people will read the comments just to see what other are saying (since they will see so many were posted).

I think it is just a quick way for CowboyNeal to get some extra $$$ real quick. They [the editors] could at least be honest about it....

Re:try putting up articles on time

[SirTalon42]

You must be new here. Slashvertisements are 95% of the (non-dupe) stories here.

Re:try putting up articles on time

[Anonymous Coward]

You're kidding, right? At least once a day, usually more.

Re:try putting up articles on time

[Anonymous Coward]

And nary an on-topic response to be seen. Maybe I should browse at -1?

Nice last line

[raoul666]

If you doubt its authenticity, note that its author is a doctor and the guide is also available as a book."

Because anything written in a book by a doctor must be true...right?

Re:Nice last line

[rkcallaghan]

Because anything written in a book by a doctor must be true...right?

Relative to anything posted on Slashdot, yes.

~Rebecca

Re:Nice last line

[Anonymous Coward]

Remember, he's not a real doctor!

"I have a Masters Degree."

in SCIENCE!

Re:Nice last line

[gnarlin]

Doctor Evil alsa had a medical degree but the medication he sold me over the interweb DIDN'T HELP ME GROW MY PENIS!
He is a great big phony and if that telephone number he told I could reach him at weren't the number to the "abused village idiots and pie obsessed people" helpline I would have flailed my arms at him in a fasion showing him that had I the physical strenght to hurt my I would given it considerable thought! Even despite that sharks with the freak'n lazer beams attached to their heads!

Re:Nice last line

[richg74]

When I was growing up (back when dinosaurs walked the earth), there was a prat that lived nearby who had a PhD in sociology. He insisted on being called "Dr. Prat" socially. I remember my granddad telling someone, "Yeah, he's a doctor, but not the kind that does anyone any good."

"... note that its author is a doctor ..."

[Kymermosst]

Yeah sure, because here at the university, I've never met someone with a Ph.D who was pretty much a complete dumbass in many respects.

I've seen the kind of people who are issued doctorates, so the fact that the author is a doctor doesn't really lend to its credibility.

Re:"... note that its author is a doctor ..."

[Anonymous Coward]

ad hominem!

Re:"... note that its author is a doctor ..."

[wingsofchai]

I have performed tech support for math/computer science professors with doctoral degrees. I actually got the infamous "my machine won't turn on" issue that is resolved by plugging it in. Ph.D.'s don't necessarily reflect intelligence or for another matter, credibility.

Re:"... note that its author is a doctor ..."

[Anonymous Coward]

The dumbass ones are the ones that let you know they are doctors whenever possible. The same type who INSIST on being called Doctor rather than Mister or Missus. I thought I was going to be fired after being corrected once. "That's DOCTOR Assclown." "I'm sorry, you must have forgotten your nametag, DOCTOR." I don't work retail anymore.

Re:"... note that its author is a doctor ..."

[Kymermosst]

I have performed tech support for math/computer science professors with doctoral degrees. I actually got the infamous "my machine won't turn on" issue that is resolved by plugging it in. Ph.D.'s don't necessarily reflect intelligence or for another matter, credibility.

As my algorithms teacher routinely quoted Dijkstra: "Computer science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes."

I firmly believe that some CIS professors have never actually written a real program for a real compiler running on a real computer.

Re:"... note that its author is a doctor ..."

[rikkards]

Or possibly, the computer itself is a tool that they expect to work and do not trivialize their time into such matters.

Re:"... note that its author is a doctor ..."

[Scarblac]

One of the professors at my CS study taught theoretical computer science; he was a pretty brilliant mathematician. At some point he started following the basic Pascal course that the first year students did though, since he thought that perhaps he should be able to program.

And I totally agree with Dijkstra. People who criticize CS for not teaching them how to program in a professional environment are confused.

Re:"... note that its author is a doctor ..."

[bill_mcgonigle]

As the old saying goes: "What do you call a guy who graduates last in his class from Med School? -- Doctor".

Bah

[weatherguy48]

I couldn't read it with all of the sponsored links. Seriously, that's distracting.

Re:Bah

[FuturePastNow]

Usually adblocking *intellitxt* will get rid of them. It works for me.

Re:Bah

[Anonymous Coward]

I actually like sites like these for just that reason.

It both tests my adblock filters and alerts me to new ones I might need.

When I viewed this site, I saw no banners, popups, or any other advertising images. :)

Free simplified BIOS guide.

[Anonymous Coward]

And you didn't see the free but simplified BIOS guide right smack in the middle of the page in big type? Or is this another slashdot "information wants to be free" whine?

--
Taco you SOB fix your stupid "I'll make'em wait till it hurts" counter.

Cut through the crap

[Mecdemort]

The actual thing:
http://www.rojakpot.com/default.aspx?location=7&va r1=18

Re:Cut through the crap

[Mecdemort]

That link redirects, infact it is this location: http://www.rojakpot.com/freebog.aspx

Helpful

[sqeaky]

This is going to be immensely helpful in my line of work. I have to help people work with their BIOS all the time, and now there is a document that not explains those weird options, but has optimizations as well

Re:Helpful

[Wisgary]

This sounds like something pulled straight out of an infomercial for the book. Wow, you should get a job with them. Anywho, yeah, half the time I don't know what the hell the shadowcache60000 thingy does, much less the option I should pick for optional performance.

Read this before modding parent as Flamebait

[woolio]

I am not trying to start a flame war... Before modding this or the parent, consider this... The "doctor" that wrote this so-called "book" is a medical student...(although nearly done) http://www.rojakpot.com/default.aspx?location=7&va r1=2 Details on the MBBS program: http://www.manipal.edu/kmc/institutions/twinningpr ogram-aua.htm Also consider this: When does a PhD in CS/ECE write a book on BIOS settings? That wouldn't even qualify as a MS thesis topic unless someone's entire committee didn't understand it. If the "Editors" didn't even give this half a though, then why are the EDITORS???

Re:Read this before modding parent as Flamebait

[Anonymous Coward]

I couldn't make out half the thing you wrote, but I get the gist and I agree. So people complain and then what. The assumption that there is/should be integrity in this website's submission acceptance/editing is erroneous. If you happen to be a paying customer, maybe there is some ground to whine, but then integrity in news selection probably wasn't the bargain spelled out in the agreement you forked out your money for. Or is it?

Years ago, the content and posts collected by this website was interestingly unique, but noadays, the main attraction are the commenters' posts. Even some of the rants are interesting. These attraction are now all despite the slimey ad-revenue-focused posting policy.

Again, I don't pay a penny for this, so...

A doctor?

[eyebits]

"Doctor" makes the author sound like he is a physician. If the author has a PhD, I'd say he is wasting it by engaging in the documentation of BIOS settings. It is not exactly what I would call research. Sure wish my PhD would automatically give me credibility. Usually it has the reverse effect. Too many college students have met stupid PhDs. :)

Re:A doctor?

[antirealist]

He is a physician.

Re:A doctor?

[eyebits]

Really, a physician. Wow! That automatically lends credibility. Must be a physician with too much time on his hands.

Re:A doctor?

[damsa]

He does now, that he has optimized his BIOS.

The mother of...

[syousef]

This is getting irritating to say the least. Would all you "mothers" please just go home? Did I wander up to you and ask "Are you my mother?"

Next you'll have machines called "The mother of all computers" released.

Bleh!!!

Piled Higher and Deeper

[tepples]

I've never met someone with a Ph.D who was pretty much a complete dumbass in many respects.

It would seem to fit in with the old saying:

• B.S. == bullshit
• M.S. == more shit
• Ph.D. == piled higher and deeper

Re:Piled Higher and Deeper

[Anonymous Coward]

Oh Bummer, now I've got Bullshit piled higher and deeper, and spent 10 years collecting it all....
Oh come on, Just because someone has got a PhD doesn't mean they know everything and doesn't improve their character, but we did spend a long time and lots of hard work getting there...
J-M

Two words

[fluxrad]

Doctor Laura.

Hooray!

[Zanthany]

Can anybody say *cough*shameless plug*cough cough*?

Good lord. It's almost as bad as a pr0n site with a "Click here for h0tt EEPROM action!" link.

Re:Hooray!

[aywwts4]

Dear sweet jesus, I have never seen such a gangbang of exclamation marks, let alone using them in your friggin nav menu!

> Money Savers!

> ARP Forums!

> About Us

> Accolades

> Our Server!

> Join Team ARP!

> Support Us!

> E-Mail Us

Re:Hooray!

[amling]

Link please.

Any BIOS engineers in the house?

[sm8000]

I occasionally send PMs to one on the boards we frequent. I'd love to hear his opinion on how accurate this thing is. Before I do, will anyone who does BIOS as their day job step up?

cut out the crap...

[psyon1]

Turn off javascript, and visit http://www.rojakpot.com/freebog.aspx

I feel violated

[Anonymous Coward]

Nov 28 08:35:11 purgatory kernel: CatchAllIN=wlan0 OUT= MAC=00:13:10:16:95:7d:00:13:10:02:6d:02:08:00 SRC=67.18.123.2 DST=192.168.1.133 LEN=65 TOS=0x08 PREC=0x40 TTL=115 ID=29576 DF PROTO=TCP SPT=80 DPT=36498 WINDOW=17111 RES=0x00 ACK PSH URGP=0 OPT (0101080A00C3493B000ED31F)

BOG and bog

[jjohn_h]

At the beginning was the
Basic Input Output System and this specialized
site. Then so many readers asked for it that the
author published a book and you may want to buy it.

Also, so many readers asked for a simple overview
that now they get it, it is called BOG Light. To
look up technical details, you may want to access
their full database for a fee.

Yes, and somebody was so taken by their prowess
that he managed to place a story on Slashdot - so
you may want to go to the site and buy and subscribe.

I think I found a picture...

[SuperKendall]

Could it be this doctor?

While he may be a bios expert and a sweet man, don't you ever tell us where you found him. Ever.

Not even if it was Google.

BIOS on-line help sucks!

[amirl]

This is a great guide but it led me to think, why, over all the years, the help in the BIOS itself lack all this information.
I know about the memory problem in the BIOS itself but how much memory is needed for a normal help?

The BIOS still looks like an engineer page rather than a setup page for a normal user.

Re:BIOS on-line help sucks!

[Anonymous Coward]

Should a normal user really have to change BIOS settings? It should already by optimised by whoever built the machine.

That said there should still be decent documentation, if necessary in a manual if they can't put it into the BIOS itself.

Re:BIOS on-line help sucks!

[2old2rockNroll]

Should a normal user really have to change BIOS settings? It should already by optimised by whoever built the machine.

The default for a Compaq (no jeers) is to boot from the HD before the CD/DVD drive. That doesn't work if you're trying to install an OS from disc or boot from a rescue disc. The only way to change it is through the BIOS setup. So I guess it depends on your definition of "normal user".

Re:BIOS on-line help sucks!

[Enigma_Man]

It's like that, because it's written in assembly using engrish by one of essentially two companies that have a lock on the market, and thus don't have to put any effort into it, because it's not like you have a choice anyway. Most BIOS also have to fit in 256k (512 is also becoming more common, but it used to be 128k) so there isn't much room for any sort of help system on-chip. There are alternatives, but they are not widespread, and you can't just install the alternatives willy-nilly on any motherboard you want. A BIOS typically will only work on one revision of one model of one manufacturer's motherboard, and not any other.

-Jesse

obligatory comment about the doctor

[Anonymous Coward]

"...note that its author is a doctor..."

Doctor Who?

Doctor..?!

[Chicane-UK]

note that its author is a doctor

lol.. so is my girlfriend but whilst she might know lots about her chosen field, I don't think she knows an awful lot about the ins and outs of RAM timings and AGP apertures ;)

Re: Education usually pays off...

[Anonymous Coward]

I too found the original posters argument from authority slightly silly. It only makes sense if said doctor is an authority in the field of BIOS research. However, being issued a doctorate usually means three things

1) generally bright
2) specifically good at whatever the theses was about
3) hard working

Given time and interest, I'm confident a large proportion of them would figure out BIOSs or whatever. I think your criticism of them as a group is unfounded. They don't claim to know everything, that's your claim on their behalf.

Bad site design...

[CoolVibe]

Why? Aside from other people's (very valid) complaints, he's breaking the 'Back' button as well. I hate it when people do that.

Someone slap this guy with a clue by four.

Joey Braff strikes again

[Anonymous Coward]

Just thought someone should include a post including the names "Adrian Wang" and "Joey Braff". Search engines will then recall this shameful commercialism and attempted deceit for the next 1000 years or so. (The author being a medical "Doctor" is no recommendation!)

This is his second story pointing to rojakpot. http://hardware.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/08/ 14/1337236

A doctor? It's Monty Python time.

[noims]

The last line reminds me of a wonderful under-known Python sketch from Mr. Pither's cycling tour, set in a doctor's surgery.

Doctor
Morning.

Pither
Oh, a very good morning to you too, Doctor

Doctor
Ah, I understand you had an accident? [...] where were you hurt?

Pither
Oh, fortunately, I escaped without injury.

Doctor
Well what is the trouble?

Pither
Please, could you tell me the way to Iddesleigh?

Doctor
I'm a doctor, you know.

Pither
Oh yes, absolutely. Normally I would have asked a policeman or a minister of the Church, but finding no one available, I thought it better to consult a man with some professional qualifications, rather than rely on the possibly confused testimony of a passer-by.

Doctor
Oh alright.
(he scribbles something on a piece of paper and hands it to Pither)
Take this to a chemist.

Pither
Thank you.

Cut to exterior of a chemist's shop. A chemist comes out holding the paper and points up the street. Pither thanks him and mounts his bike.

If only he had studied HTML

[Anonymous Coward]

Here's what the W3C thinks of his code:
http://validator.w3.org/check?uri=http://www.rojak pot.com/bog.aspx

gewg_